"Before I was known as the wife of my husband, "Sharma said. "But now I have my own identity."

For almost three years, Sharma has treated basic ailments in this village. Six months ago she added eye care to her services with the help of a nonprofit called VisionSpring.

Vision Spring is bringing basic care to tens of thousands of communities around the world where seeing an eye doctor simply may not be an option. All of it is thanks to an optometrist thousands of miles away.

It was founded in 2001 by New York City eye doctor Jordan Kassalow, who, while on medical missions in the developing world, realized western doctors were not always needed.

"A third of our time and effort and resources are going to taking care of people who the local people should be able to take care of," Kassalow said.